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Tasco SS 10x42M Long Term Review

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Nimzoblanca View Drop Down
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    Posted: April/08/2009 at 01:06
Greetings Optics Talk.  New member here.  I'm the one who used the SS 10x42M in the Precision Rifle class in this thread.  I've had this SS for several years and thought I'd give a long term review with my thoughts and observations, plus ask a few questions on some things about it.

I bought the SS 10x42M back in June 2000 when they had the Tasco name.  I bought it from SWFA for $325 plus shipping.  Its entire life it's been mounted on a Remington 700 LTR in .308.  The mounting base has been a 2-piece Leupold standard set, with Leupold high rings.  The rings were lapped with a Sinclair ring lapping tool.  After the recent Precision Rifle class, I decided I need more elevation because I ran out of clicks at around 1125 yards, so I'm in the process of switching to a 1-piece 20 MOA tapered base.

Executive summary:  This is a truly great scope for the price (which is no surprise to anyone).  Over the years it has served me well with great performance, reliability, and consistency. My observations:

Pros:

Image is clear with no degradation of clarity on the edges. Admittedly I don't have any expensive scopes to compare it to, the only other stuff I have (or had) was a Trijicon TA11 and a TA31 which obviously are entirely different animals.  But to my untrained eye, the SS optic has nothing to be ashamed of, especially at this price point.  From 600 yards at the fixed 10 power, I can make head shots in the cranial occular cavity of a Front Sight target.

The click size is consistent across the entire range of adjustments, i.e. it's the same at the extremes as it is in the middle.  Both elevation and windage.

It always returns exactly to zero no matter how far I wind the turrets.  It passes the box test with flying colors.

The focus adjustment stays put, even though it has no locking mechanism.  There's a fair amount of resistance in turning the eyepiece, so after getting the right setting, I just put a Butler Creek cover on it and it doesn't move.

Cons:

The owner's manual has conflicting info.  On one page it says the click adjustments are 1/4 MOA, while another page says they're 1/4 inch.  So which is it?  My personal feeling is that they're in MOA, not inches.

Likewise, the manual says the total amount of adjustment in both elevation and windage is 120 inches.  I think it should say 120 MOA.

THE BIGGEST ISSUE:  What is the true click size?  I don't believe it's .25 MOA.  Instead, I believe it's closer to .275 MOA.  Here's why:  A long time ago I did a box test at 100 yards where I gave it +/- 60 clicks in elev and wind, firing 3-shot groups at each point.  After carefully measuring the group centers, I concluded that the click size for both elev & wind was .275 MOA.

Now let's assume there is 120 MOA total travel in both directions.  That means there should be 480 clicks end-to-end, right?  Not on my scope.  For elevation end-to-end there are 438 clicks before you hit the hard stops.  For windage there are 441 clicks end-to-end.  If we believe there are truly 120 MOA total travel, then we get for elevation: 120 MOA / 438 clicks = .274 MOA/click.  For windage we get: 120 MOA / 441 clicks = .272 MOA/click.  This matches almost exactly my observed box-test results of .275 MOA/click.

Finally, in RONK's SS test, he noted that 80 clicks yielded around 22 inches of movement (not the expected 20 inches).  22 MOA / 80 clicks = you guessed it, .275 MOA/click!

Bottom line:  Great scope but you have to learn to live with the oddball click size.  I get my trajectory table from a free online ballistic calculator, then put the numbers into an Excel spreadsheet which calculates the correct number of clicks based on .275 MOA/click.  If an SS 10x42M in mil/mil adjustments ever comes out, I may just have to buy it and retire this old one.  But obviously I would hope the click adjustment tracks to exactly 0.1 mil!

Anyone else observe this anomaly with SS click size?  Or am I completely off-base here? (nut behind the trigger)

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supertool73 View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 09:31
Hey Jim Thunbs Up
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 11:02
Originally posted by Nimzoblanca Nimzoblanca wrote:

THE BIGGEST ISSUE:  What is the true click size?  I don't believe it's .25 MOA.  Instead, I believe it's closer to .275 MOA.  Here's why:  A long time ago I did a box test at 100 yards where I gave it +/- 60 clicks in elev and wind, firing 3-shot groups at each point.  After carefully measuring the group centers, I concluded that the click size for both elev & wind was .275 MOA.

Now let's assume there is 120 MOA total travel in both directions.  That means there should be 480 clicks end-to-end, right?  Not on my scope.  For elevation end-to-end there are 438 clicks before you hit the hard stops.  For windage there are 441 clicks end-to-end.  If we believe there are truly 120 MOA total travel, then we get for elevation: 120 MOA / 438 clicks = .274 MOA/click.  For windage we get: 120 MOA / 441 clicks = .272 MOA/click.  This matches almost exactly my observed box-test results of .275 MOA/click.

Finally, in RONK's SS test, he noted that 80 clicks yielded around 22 inches of movement (not the expected 20 inches).  22 MOA / 80 clicks = you guessed it, .275 MOA/click!

Bottom line:  Great scope but you have to learn to live with the oddball click size.  I get my trajectory table from a free online ballistic calculator, then put the numbers into an Excel spreadsheet which calculates the correct number of clicks based on .275 MOA/click.  If an SS 10x42M in mil/mil adjustments ever comes out, I may just have to buy it and retire this old one.  But obviously I would hope the click adjustment tracks to exactly 0.1 mil!

Anyone else observe this anomaly with SS click size?  Or am I completely off-base here? (nut behind the trigger)

I like your thinking a lot but, Now assuming that YOUR SCOPE  came out to .274 and .272 moa clicks. If the scope has 120MOA adjustment TOTAL one side to the other and that amount of clicks that you said then YES it would have .275 Moa per Click. Which Translates to .26 INCH per clicks. Considering 1in =1.047 moa @ 100yards. 1IN=1.047MOA  as .26IN=.275MOA. I know you are probably wondering why in the World it is coming up with .26IN per click instead if .25IN. That is because you are basing the movement per click off the assumpition that your Scope has Exactly 120MOA of adjustments which in fact the Total Moa of a scope can vary. You can take almost any two of the exact same scope and the total adjustment from top to bottom of the two will most times be different. However the Super Snipers are .25IN Per Click @ 100 yards.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 13:51
CF2 has a point their Jim.  I have actually not counted my clicks yet to see exactly how many mine has.  Another issue you might be seeing is because there is a round erector sitting in a round tube, unless that erector assembly is sitting perfectly centered left to right when you measured the elevation then it is going to hit the side of the tube wall at some point and you might not get a true reading of how much travel it has because you did not get to the peak of the tube.  That will be the same with the widage.  Unless the elevation is perfectly centered your windage total could be off as well.  Plus I am sure there are all kinds of other mechanical issues that could make the total amount slightly different from one scope to the next.  I have read some people say their SS has close to 130 MOA, Others around 110. 

I had two IOR 3-18xs for a while.  One of them had 74 MOA total the other only had 68 MOA total, that is after I found the mechanical center.  So I believe there can definitley be a difference from scope to scope. 

You could measure it by setting your gun up in a very sturdy vice and then have a paper target with MOA squares on it and start moving your knobs and see how they line up.
It is hard to do while shooting because there are some many other variables involved that you will not know if it is u, the scope, the wind, the bullet, etc etc.   
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 13:57
Hey Jim what was your charts saying and what was the data you ended up logging for say 500 and 600 yards?  I cannot remember.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 19:02

 Interesting thoughts, Nimzoblanca, and welcome to OT! Pull up a chair and hang around awhile; we won't hold it against you that you're a friend of Jason!

 Just out of curiosity, I compared the theoretical  angular value difference of one CLICK, between a scope that was factory calibrated in TRUE moa (1.0472 "@ 100 Yards), vs. one that was factory calibrated in "Shooters" moa (1.0000" @ 100 Yards.)

 (According to "Bags", both types exist in current production, depending on the manufacturers' preference.)

 Mathematically, I came up with this;
  1.0472 x .25 =.262"  per CLICK@ 100 yards for the first type. and (obviously) .250"  for the second.
 Not quite the .275" experienced by our guest, but it does weigh into that direction...
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 19:26
[QUOTE=Chris Farris II]

 ...Considering 1in =1.047 moa @ 100yards. 1IN=1.047MOA .... QUOTE]
 
 Chris FarrisII-
 
That is incorrect.
 That should read:  One  Minute of Angle =1.0472 inches @100 yards.
  (You're saying that a moa is less than one inch @ 100 yards, when in fact it is actually a little MORE than one inch.)
  
No biggie, but it matters in the framework of this discussion.


Edited by RONK - April/08/2009 at 19:28
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nimzoblanca Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 20:33
Jason, Chris, et al -

I hear what you're saying.  I agree the 120 total MOA of the scope is just a guideline and it could vary from scope to scope.  However I base my .275 MOA/click on three criteria:

1)  When I did a box test at 100 yards (did this years ago).  I expended quite a bit of match grade ammo shooting groups after adjusting elev/wind 20 clicks, 60 clicks in all directions and carefully measuring the group centers.  I came up with .275 MOA/click.

2)  Counting total click travel end-to-end as previously stated.

3)  My drop charts!  Based on the actual results I got at the recent class where we fired from 100-600 at 50yard increments, my ammo was performing way better than was theoretically possible.  That is, when I dialed in using a value of .25 MOA/click, I was hitting high at almost all distances.  When I adjusted my drop chart for a value of .275 MOA/click, things lined up much better.

All that said, this isn't benchrest shooting where I'm putting all rounds in the same hole exactly where I'm aiming at.  So there's definitely shooter error and probably lots of other variables.  But based on what I've observed, I have strong suspicion that the click size is NOT .25 and is closer to .275.   And that's why I ask if anyone has this type of testing on their SS and come to a similar conclusion.

BTW Jason - did you receive your class certificate in the mail?  And did you get a DG or did they DQ you for that "early" shot?

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Nimzoblanca Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 21:09
Also Jason -

I pulled out the scope and played with the turrets to ensure they were at the mechanical midpoint.  No difference in number of clicks total travel.  With windage at mechanical midpoint, elevation still had 438 clicks.  With elevation at mechanical midpoint, windage still had 441 clicks.

No biggie.  Maybe I'll buy a USO or S&B if I win the Powerball tonight.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/08/2009 at 21:25
Just counted mine, it has 155.5 MOA total elevation so 622 clicks.  At least the dials spin that far and 155 MOA windage and 620 clicks.

I have not got the cert in the mail yet.  They are usually slow coming.    
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/09/2009 at 08:32
I counted one here yesterday. It had over 600 clicks also. Ronk thanks for pointiing out my mistake. I was trying to type all that out yesterday and we were BUSY. Talking to customers and making posts sometimes you goof up. Thanks
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/09/2009 at 16:55
Originally posted by Chris Farris II Chris Farris II wrote:

I counted one here yesterday. It had over 600 clicks also. Ronk thanks for pointiing out my mistake. I was trying to type all that out yesterday and we were BUSY. Talking to customers and making posts sometimes you goof up. Thanks
 
 
 Easy to do, Chris!
 Hey, while I have your attention, can you recommend a good mounting system to put a red dot or scope on a Remington 1100 12 Gauge?
 (I have a Dead Thread in the Mounts and Bases forum.)
 Thinking of probably getting the Weaver Converta System. Pretty good?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris II Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/10/2009 at 08:23
Originally posted by RONK RONK wrote:

Originally posted by Chris Farris II Chris Farris II wrote:

I counted one here yesterday. It had over 600 clicks also. Ronk thanks for pointiing out my mistake. I was trying to type all that out yesterday and we were BUSY. Talking to customers and making posts sometimes you goof up. Thanks
 
 
 Easy to do, Chris!
 Hey, while I have your attention, can you recommend a good mounting system to put a red dot or scope on a Remington 1100 12 Gauge?
 (I have a Dead Thread in the Mounts and Bases forum.)
 Thinking of probably getting the Weaver Converta System. Pretty good?
  We haven't had any problems with those or the Bsquare saddle mounts. Either would be fine.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote RONK Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/10/2009 at 12:39
 Thanks. I forgot that B-Square makes one. I'll check them out.
 Sorry for the thread sidetrack, guys.
 Carry on.
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